John Clemons was born in Dime Box, Texas, to the parents of Otto Sr. and Ruby (Lee) Clemons on July 3, 1953. He was the seventh child born to this union. John graduated from Dime Box High School on June 4, 1972. While attending Dime Box High School, John played on the same basketball team as his younger brother, Edward, who stated, he "always wanted to be better than him on the court but could never outshoot him".

John gave his life to the Lord at an early age at South Oak Church of Christ in Dime Box, Texas. Later, he became a member at Beckley Heights Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas.

After moving to Dallas, John met and fell in love with Venetia Joyce Morgan. They wed in 1980. John and Venetia decided to expand their family. Overwhelmingly ecstatic, the couple birthed their first child, John Otto Clemons, on September 25, 1980. Two years later, a beautiful baby girl, Learesa (Reece) Clemons was born August 20th.

For 27 years, John had the privilege of working with his older brother, Billie, at Square D, prior to the company's closure. In 2007, John was employed as a correctional officer for Dallas County Sherriff's Department. He worked there for 16 years, until he retired.

John loved the Dallas Cowboys; he was the true definition of a "Die Hard Fan"! He rooted for them, during their winning seasons, and even their losing seasons. He was known as one of the kindest men to many, especially to his children and loving grandchildren. For those who were close to John, knew of him to be a jokester, and anyone who was around him, at any given moment, was expected to have a huge smile on their face, from his cheerful and comical nature.

Mid-morning, July 20, 2023, John peacefully departed this earth. He is now rejoicing with his loved ones who preceded him in death, Venetia Clemons; parents, Otto, Sr. and Ruby (Lee) Clemons; paternal grandparents, Bill and Amelia (Fisher) Clemons; maternal grandparents, Ernest and Inez (Lewis) Sams; sister, Zora Hopkins, brother-in-law, Robert Montgomery and sister-in-law, JoAnn Clemons.

He leaves to cherish his memory: son, John Otto Clemons (Shawn) and Learesa Clemons (Nick); five grandchildren, Daisha, Faith and Brayla McKnight, Kai and Kaila Clemons; six brothers, Otto, Jr., Albert (Shirley), Billie (Marilyn), Edward (Rita), Ronnie, Ragionald (Marvella); three sisters, Mary Danso, Almeta Henry and Janice Cox (William) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.